Name: Black On Both Sides
Brand: Mos Def

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

B002245901

Colour

Black

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2023-06-16

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Rough Trade NYC

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

0602547140289

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Total Cap

Black LPx2

Artist

Mos Def

Genre GB

Hip Hop

Label GB

Mos Def, also known as Yasiin Bey, is a highly influential artist in the world of hip-hop and beyond. Born Dante Terrell Smith, he began his career as a member of the group Black Star alongside Talib Kweli. Mos Def's unique blend of conscious lyrics and soulful beats quickly gained him recognition and respect within the industry.
Throughout his career, Mos Def has released several critically acclaimed albums such as "Black on Both Sides" and "The Ecstatic." He is known for his thought-provoking lyrics that tackle social issues and personal experiences with honesty and vulnerability.
Beyond music, Mos Def has also made a name for himself in acting, starring in films like "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" and "Be Kind Rewind." His multifaceted talent has solidified him as an icon in both the music and entertainment industries.

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Mos Def's partnership with Talib Kweli produced one of the most important hip-hop albums of the late '90s, 1997's brilliant Black Star. Consciously designed as a return to rap's musical foundations and a manifesto for reclaiming the art form from gangsta / playa domination, it succeeded mightily on both counts, raising expectations sky-high for Mos Def's solo debut. He met them all with Black On Both Sides, a record every bit as dazzling and visionary as Black Star.

Black On Both Sides strives to not only refine but expand the scope of Mos Def's talents, turning the solo spotlight on his intricate wordplay and nimble rhythmic skills - but also his increasing eclecticism.

The main reference points are pretty much the same - old-school rap, which allows for a sense of playfulness as well as history, and the native tongues posse's fascination with jazz, both for its sophistication and cultural heritage. But they're supported by a rich depth that comes from forays into reggae (as well as its aura of spiritual conscience), pop, soul, funk, and even hardcore punk (that on the album's centerpiece, "Rock N Roll", a dissection of white America's history of appropriating black musical innovations). In keeping with his goal of restoring hip-hop's sociopolitical consciousness, Def's lyrics are as intelligent and thoughtfully crafted as one would expect, but he doesn't stop there - he sings quite passably on several tracks, plays live instruments on others (including bass, drums, congas, vibraphone, and keyboards), and even collaborates on a string arrangement. 

In short, Black On Both Sides is a tour de force by an artist out to prove he can do it all. Its ambition and execution rank it as one of the best albums of 1999, and it consolidates Mos Def's position as one of hip-hop's brightest hopes entering the 21st century.

Black On Both Sides

Music GB

Discover Black On Both Sides by Mos Def. A brilliant and visionary hip-hop album that expands the scope of Mos Def's talents. Available in LP format.